James E Drury, 87, of Land O Lakes, FL passed away on June 19, 2011, with his family at his side. Jim was born in Yonkers, NY on February 20, 1924. Jim lived in Yonkers, New York City, and Montauk NY most of his life. In 2004, he moved to Florida with his wife, Pam.
Jim went into the Army Air Corps in January of 1942. He was a proud member of the Greatest Generation, who served his country in the Army Air Corps in the European Theatre in WWII.
He was stationed in London, Paris and Germany. Jim was discharged in 1945 after repatriation in the Pacific upon the end of World War II.
After his return to New York, he spent the majority of his career as the treasurer of Broadway’s Imperial Theatre; home of the great musicals Gypsy, Oliver!, Cabaret, Pippin, and many more. His happy memories of times and friendships with Broadway’s finest, including many of the great performers of all time, will long be remembered by his family and friends.
Jim enjoyed playing the drums, creating and painting Historex model soldiers, the beach, and cherished spending time with his family and friends. He always had funny stories about his very eventful life.
He married Yvonne Duvall, also of Yonkers, NY in 1949. He is survived by their three daughters and their families: Annie (and Neil Hennessy) of Ormond Beach FL; Kate Drury of Yonkers NY; and Patti (and Jim Woodward) of South Salem, NY. His grandchildren are: Michael Howie, Diane Kempter, Bobby Howie, Jimmy Dunn, Laura Woodward and Jimmy Woodward. His great-grandchildren are: Ashley Kempter, Kaylee Howie and Kristen Howie.
In 2002 he married Pamela Fuller. She has three children: David Kleimeyer; Katherine (and Mark Ewald), and Dan Palermo. Her granddaughters are: Ariana and Melania Ewald.
His brother Jack and sister-in-law Linda of Land O Lakes FL also survive him. Their children are Jim (and Denise) Drury, and Rick (and Jessica) Drury.
He is predeceased by his parents, James V. and Evelyn Drury; and his [late] wife, Mily Drury.
Memorial Services will be held @ 1:00pm Monday, June 27, 2011 at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. There will be a short service to celebrate his life with Military Honors presented by Marion County Memorial Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:
Wounded Warrior Project
www.woundedwarriorproject.org
or
Gulfside Regional Hospice Inc.
5760 Dean Dairy Road
Zephyrhills, FL 33542
813.377.1265
We cannnot imagine a day without you in our lives. Rest in peace, dear Jim.
AN AMAZING MAN. A WONDERFUL LIFE. WILL BE DEARLY MISSED.
Dear Annie and Family
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers with you and your Family.
Jim, Thank you for your service.
Of course you all know what Jim meant to us…his wonderful loving way of making us feel a part of your family. You are in our hearts, Jimmy. Rest in peace. You will be sorely missed.
To My Dearest Dad and Grandpa.. We love you and miss you.. forever and always.. in our hearts and thoughts every day…a great father and grandfather.. always a gentleman.. always a sense of humor.. an honor to call you Dad.. Love you!!